nebraska association of county officials countyline · lawrence turner, cherry county past...

INSIDE ⇒ County Board

Workshop

⇒ NACO Scho la rsh ip App l i c a t i ons Ava i l a b le On L ine

⇒ NACO Scholarship Winners’ Essays

⇒ Meth: America’s Homegrown Drug Epidemic

⇒ Thomas County To Build New Courthouse

January, 2006 CountyLine

Nebraska Assoc i a t i on o f Coun ty O f f i c i a l s

2006 NACO Legislative Meetings Slated For January

NACO Countyline

In This Issue …

2006 Nebraska Legislature ............................................... 7 2006 Scholarship Application And Information .................. 14 Calendar Of Events ....................................................... 20 County Board Workshop Tentative Agenda ......................... 9 County Board Workshop Registration................................. 8 County Classified .......................................................... 20 County Clips................................................................. 23 Executive Director’s Comments......................................... 4 From Far And Near.......................................................... 6 January Contest............................................................ 21 Legal Calendar..........................................................17-19 Meth: America’s Homegrown Drug Epidemic.................... 15 NACO And UNL To sponsor Leadership Training ................ 12 NACO Conference Articles For Sale.................................. 22 NACO Legislative Meetings Slated For January.................. 21 NACO Now Conducting Surveys On Line........................... 10 Saunders County Working For Its Own “Route 66” ............ 11 Thomas County To Build New Courthouse ........................ 16

625 South 14th St., Suite 200

Lincoln, Neb. 68508

Telephone: (402) 434-5660

FAX: (402) 434-5673

Web site: www.nacone.org

Publisher Larry J. Dix

[email protected]

Editor Lisa Wefer

[email protected]

Subscriptions: $20 per year. Advertising rates available on request.

Executive Officers

President

Ken Fornander, Deuel County Vice President

Jerry McCallum, Madison County Secretary-Treasurer

Lawrence Turner, Cherry County Past President

Ken Stuhr, York County

Board of Directors District Representatives

Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County Bob Workman, Lancaster County

Rick Soper, Kimball County Ed Sowders, McPherson County

Tim Loewenstein, Buffalo County Duane Wilcox, Washington County

Willis Luedke, Saline County

Affiliate Representatives

Nancy Ulmer, Hamilton County Sherry Schweitzer, Seward County

Susan Thomas, Keith County Don Thomas, Lancaster County

Jon Zavadil, Platte County Janet Suminski, Valley County

NACo Representative Tim Loewenstein, Buffalo County

NACO Countyline is distributed to all elected and appointed officials in the 93 Nebraska counties, as well as state and federal officials and agency personnel, advertisers and individual subscribers. Views of contributors, whether solicited or unsolicited, are their own and are not to be construed as having the endorsement of NACO, unless specifically stated by the publisher. Subscriptions: $20 per year. Advertising rates available on request.

January, 2006

there is no time like today to l e a r n f r o m o t h e r s ’ experience. I challenge each of you to make plans on attending. There is no reason why all 93 counties should not be represented at this County Board Workshop. Just to start the learning process I will give you a couple of p ieces of informat ion that you probably did not know. There are 415 county board members in the state of Nebraska and 11,570 county bridges that span over 20 feet. My challenge to you is to determine which counties have no bridges over 20 feet. I look forward to seeing you at the County Board workshop.

A few years ago there was a book and movie made about the Bridges of Madison County. This of course was in reference to structures in Iowa. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the chance to meet with a number of representatives who are very knowledgeable about bridges in Nebraska. The topic was the rating system we currently use and the information that the federal government is asking us to provide. I have learned a few new acronyms, SCALP, SCOUR, LF and LRFD to name a few. The participants have been extremely patient with me in my learning curve. The results of these meetings have reconfirmed

an old adage that many of you have heard: “Every day you learn something new”. This is the case no matter how many years you have held a position. This also brings me to the importance of county board members’ attendance at the upcoming County Board Workshop in February, 2006. No matter how many years you have been a county board member, you will pick up new ideas and problem solving measures just by attending. The topic of bridges is just one of the many topics that will be on the agenda. If you have attended previously, you know the importance of being there. If you have never attended,

January, 2006

“If you have never attended, there is no time like today to learn from others’ experience.”

Executive Director’s Comments

Larry Dix Executive Director

The Bridges Of Nebraska

Counties

A Message From NACO Past President

January, 2006

NEBRASKA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY

My Dear Friends in County Government and the NACO

Organization,

Just a short message to thank all of you for your

support and hard work , your dedication to service, and

willingness to become involved.

I have been so blessed to serve as your president. May

God bless you and yours.

Merry Christmas,

Ken Stuhr

Today – as I reminisce about my childhood, I remember that my mother seemed to worry a lot about what tomorrow would bring. On one occasion I remember my grandmother telling her – “Today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday – and all is well”. Energy and emotion certainly appeared to have been expended on the unknown. 2005 is now coming quickly to a close. For each of us in county government we have faced challenges and opportunities. With each of those we have looked to our colleagues, the Nebraska Association of County Officials and the National Association of Counties for support and assistance. During the recent National Association Board meeting in San Diego, the Financial Services Center presented several new programs to be available to members in 2006. One such program that quickly caught my eye was D-MED. When I heard that here was a tool to qualify an applicant for court-appointed attorney (indigent defense), my focus was keen. D-MED’s proprietary software allows you to make an immediate determination whether an applicant meets the criteria established by the court to be given court-appointed legal counsel. Each of us recognizes this cost to our budgets climbing at a steady rate. I’ve been

on the phone with National and this program is so new that I don’t have particulars to share in this article. But what I can share is the promise that very soon you will be hearing about how you can take advantage of this tool and reduce costs. The Prescription Drug Program continues to grow and flourish in Nebraska. Here are some statistics: For the first 11 months of 2005 in Nebraska, with 19 counties having the Drug Prescription Discount Cards on the streets, the residents of our Nebraska counties have saved $210,591.00 with a total of 10,443 utilizers (this figure could contain the same person counted more than once from month to month). I think the numbers speak for themselves. Back to mom. Well I’ve thought about what I could share with you as this year comes to an end. Certainly I wish each and everyone a Merry Christmas and now when it comes to the new year, well here goes: I wish for each day to be the tomorrow that you dreamed about with excited anticipation yesterday. Reporting from far and near, Timothy

NACo Representative’s Comments

From Far And Near

National Association Of Counties Representative

January, 2006

Tim Loewenstein NACo Representative

Office Senator District Phone Room Address E-Mail Address

Aguilar, Ray 35 471-2617 1008 706 Grand Avenue Grand Island 68801 [email protected] Baker, Tom 44 471-2805 1101 HC 2, Box 140 Trenton 69044 [email protected] Beutler, Chris 28 471-2633 1124 3315 M Street Lincoln 68510 [email protected] Bourne, Patrick 8 471-2722 1103 5121 Erskine Street Omaha 68104 [email protected] Brashear, Kermit 4 471-2621 2103 216 N 117th Street Omaha 68154 [email protected] Brown, Pam 6 471-2714 1012 525 N 7nd Avenue Omaha 68114 [email protected] Burling, Carroll 33 471-2712 2017 4120 S Shiloh Avenue Kenesaw 68956 [email protected] Byars, Dennis 30 471-2620 1208 823 N 8th Street Beatrice 68310 [email protected] Chambers, Ernie 11 471-2612 1107 3116 N 24th Street Omaha 68110 [email protected] Combs, Jeanne 32 471-2711 1403 PO Box 306 Milligan 68406 [email protected] Connealy, Matt 16 471-2728 1000 2999 Old Highway 118 Decatur 68020 [email protected] Cornett, Abbie 45 471-2615 1117 2601 Alberta Avenue Bellevue 68147 [email protected] Cudaback, Jim 36 471-2642 2108 PO Box 22 Riverdale 68870 [email protected] Cunningham, Doug 40 471-2801 2000 705 S Lincoln, PO Box 160 Wausa 68786 [email protected] Engel, Patrick 17 471-2716 2010 401 E 31st Street S Sioux City 68776 [email protected] Erdman, Philip 47 471-2616 1017 511 2nd Avenue, PO Box 624 Bayard 69334 [email protected] Fischer, Deb 43 471-2628 1010 Box 54 Valentine 69201 [email protected] Flood, Mike 19 471-2929 1528 105 S 2nd Street Norfolk 68701 [email protected] Foley, Mike 29 471-2734 2028 6410 S 41st Street Ct Lincoln 68516 [email protected] Friend, Mike 10 471-2718 1212 4722 N 81st Street Omaha 68134 [email protected] Heidemann, Lavon 1 471-2733 1115 RR 1, Box 163 Elk Creek 68348 [email protected] Howard, Gwen 9 471-2723 1115 5512 Howard Street Omaha 68106 [email protected] Hudkins, Carol 21 471-2673 1406 8600 NW 112th Street Malcolm 68402 [email protected] Janssen, Ray 15 471-2625 1015 210 Cedar, PO Box 159 Nickerson 68044 [email protected] Jensen, Jim 20 471-2622 1402 10525 Mullen Road Omaha 68124 [email protected] Johnson, Joel 37 471-2726 2107 3216 19th Avenue Kearney 68845 [email protected] Kopplin, Gail 3 471-2627 1522 21760 Hilltop Avenue Gretna 68028 [email protected] Kremer, Bob 34 471-2630 1019 186 Donegal Road Aurora 68818 [email protected] Kruse, Lowen 13 471-2727 1021 5404 N 50th Avenue Omaha 68104 [email protected] Landis, David 46 471-2720 1116 4328 Touzalin Avenue Lincoln 68507 [email protected] Langemeier, Chris 23 471-2719 1523 408 Elk Schuyler Schuyler 68661 [email protected] Louden, LeRoy 49 471-2725 1010 PO Box 25 Ellsworth 69340 [email protected] McDonald, Vickie 41 471-2631 1202 1104 Westridge Ln Saint Paul 68873 [email protected] Mines, Mick 18 471-2618 1401 636 Hillcrest Drive Blair 68008 [email protected] Pahls, Rich 31 471-2327 1529 16550 Dorcas Street Omaha 68130 [email protected] Pedersen, Dwite 39 471-2885 1018 21440 Shamrock Road Elkhorn 68022 [email protected] Pederson, Don 42 471-2729 1004 State Capitol, PO Box 94604 Lincoln 68509 [email protected] Preister, Don 5 471-2710 1206 4522 Borman Bellevue 68157 [email protected] Price, Marion 26 471-2610 1120 6735 Lexington Cr Lincoln 68505 [email protected] Raikes, Ron 25 471-2731 1110 3221 S 76th Street Lincoln 68506 [email protected] Redfield, Pam 12 471-2623 1404 5036 S 94th Avenue Omaha 68127 [email protected] Schimek, DiAnna 27 471-2632 1114 2321 Camelot Ct Lincoln 68512 [email protected] Schrock, Ed 38 471-2732 1210 74274 K Road Elm Creek 68836 [email protected] Smith, Adrian 48 471-2802 2104 3321 Ave I, Suite 6 Scottsbluff 69361 [email protected] Stuhr, Elaine 24 471-2756 2004 208 Road 18 Bradshaw 68319 [email protected] Stuthman, Arnie 22 471-2715 1117 24160 310th Street Platte Center 68653 [email protected] Synowiecki, John 7 471-2721 1118 2451 S 27th Avenue Omaha 68105 [email protected] Thompson, Nancy 14 471-2730 2011 9406 Bayberry Ct La Vista 68128 [email protected] Wehrbein, Roger 2 471-2613 1016 5812 Highway 66 Plattsmouth 68048 [email protected] State Capitol Mailing Address: Senator ___________ District # State Capitol PO Box 94604 Lincoln NE 68509-4604

2006 Nebraska Legislature

January, 2005

The 28th annual County Board Workshop sponsored by NACO for all Nebraska county commissioners and supervisors will be held in Kearney on February 8-10, 2006. Commissioners and Supervisors planning to attend the workshop are encouraged to begin submitting advance registration by completing the registration form at left or by registering on line. If on-line registration is at all possible, NACO encourages board members to use this registration process rather than completing and mailing the registration form via U.S. mail. Educational sessions covering a variety of topics will be presented on Thursday and Friday. A complete agenda will be sent to all county board members and posted to NACO’s website www.nacone.org as soon as all sessions are confirmed. A tentative agenda is shown on the following page. Tentative plans call for the workshop to begin on Wednesday at approximately 7:00 p.m. with a review of legislation and an introduction of NACO Executive Branch Committee members. Following a breakfast buffet on Thursday morning, plans for Thursday’s agenda tentatively include general session for all board members in the morning, followed by several break out sessions on Thursday afternoon. General session will again be the order of the morning on Friday morning. The workshop will conclude at approximately noon and a box lunch will be provided. Attendees will be able to take their lunch with them as they leave the workshop or enjoy it leisurely in an informal atmosphere with their peers before heading home. Cost to attend the workshop will again be $70.00. Please note that there is no per-day or per-session fee and that all attendees will be required to wear their name tags to gain entrance to workshop events. Additional meal tickets may be purchased at the registration desk during the workshop. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn at the rate of $67.00/single, $73.00/double. If you have not made reservations, you are encouraged to do so by contacting the Holiday Inn at (308) 234-5807. When making room reservations, be sure to indicate you will be attending the NACO County Board Workshop to receive the contracted rate.

County Board Workshop Advance Registration

Feb. 8-10, 2006 Holiday Inn, Kearney

(Please complete a separate form for each registrant or you may register on-line at www.nacone.org)

Name: County: Office: Address: City: Zip Code: Phone: ( )

Press Release Please check here if you would like NACO to send a press release of your attendance at the 2006 County Board Workshop to your local newspaper. Please list the newspaper(s) you would like NACO to send notice to below:

Registration: $70.00 per person Deadline: January 27, 2006

Includes one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner, all

hand-out materials.

Cancellations must be made by January 27 to receive full refund. Any cancellations made after this date will be subject to a $10.00

administration fee.

Payable to: NACO 625 South 14th Street, Suite 200

Lincoln, NE 68508

C: ____ P: ____ (for office use only)

Register Now For County Board Workshop

January, 2006

January, 2006

County Board Workshop Tentative Agenda

Wednesday, February 8 1:00 p.m. Registration 7:00 p.m. Meet Your County Board Representatives On The NACO Board 7:30 p.m. Legislation 8:15 p.m. Welcome Reception Thursday , February 9 7:15 a.m. Informal Breakfast Buffet 7:30 a.m. Registration 8:00 a.m. General Session - Meth, Make It A Priority 8:45 a.m. General Session - Drug Court— Is It More Cost Efficient And Effective Than Incarceration? 9:30 a.m. General Session - Containing The Cost Of Court Appointed Counsel 10:15 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. General Session - Federal Re-Evaluation Of County Bridges Noon Lunch 1:00 p.m. Explanation Of Breakout Sessions 1:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions #1 General Assistance And Stricter Indigent Requirements #2 UNL Footprint Technology #3 Religious And Charitable Exemptions #4 Housing Non- County Entities #5 Campaigning 101 3:00 p.m. Break 3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions #6 Accessing Economic Development Funds #7 Q & A With NACO Legal Counsel #8 Boards Appointed By County Boards

#9 Defining Responsibilities For Weed Superintendents #10 Your Options For Channeling Lodging Tax Funds 5:30 p.m. Social Hour 6:30 p.m. Banquet 7:30 p.m. Entertainment Friday , February 10 8:30 a.m. General Session - Deal With Diversity In The Workplace 9:30 a.m. General Session - Examining Medicare Plan D 10:00 a.m. Break 10:30 a.m. General Session - Governor Candidates' Forum Noon Lunch NOTE: NACO has not received confirmation from some of the speakers anticipated to be on the agenda. Therefore, agenda items may vary slightly.

January, 2006

NACO Now Conducting Surveys Online

to do, and surveys are many times the only viable conduit through which to gather that necessary information. So, thank you for your hard work and effort in going through and filling out NACO surveys. The number of surveys that NACO conducts will probably grow in the future and your prompt and faithful attention to these surveys permits us to continue what is and what will be a vital part of NACO’s work as we look to the future.

Back to the Survey Monkey discussion. As previously stated, surveys can be a bother and time consuming. Web based surveys are a way to make the process easier for both those that participate in the surveys and for those that collect and catalog the data generated from those surveys. Every county clerk in Nebraska should have already received notification regarding NACO web based surveys that we either have already concluded or are in the process of conducting. Most of you have been very diligent about participating in these surveys. For the most part, there have been very few problems. For NACO, the ability to administer surveys without information duplication has been very positive. While it will be impossible to completely eliminate overlapping emails, letters and general information, this system will allow us to cut out a great deal of duplication. Another very important benef i t i s the elimination of data entry here at NACO. Once a participant enters their answers online and submits those answers, there is no need for any further data entry. The data base is automatically updated, eliminating the need to enter survey answers by hand into a database. This greatly reduces the possibility of data entry mistakes. Ultimately, this leads to more definitive data upon which more confident conclusions can be drawn.

In addition to creation and data collection benefits, Survey Monkey makes participating in

surveys much easier. For those of you that participate, or will participate in NACO surveys, you merely click on the link that is provided in the email survey notification and you are then directed to the survey. They are very user friendly and are completed r ight on your computer. Once the survey is complete, the participant clicks the “done” button and the information is automatically submitted into an existing database and there is nothing further required of the participant. NACO maintains and tracks the database for every survey we do through Survey Monkey. We then have the ability to extract the information from the survey database into files within NACO’s own database.

NACO wants all counties to have access to, and to make use of, the information that we gather. To that end, we are now offering, with almost every survey we conduct, the chance for participants to receive a summary of the information gathered once a given survey is complete and the information from that survey has been compiled. Each survey will include a “survey summary” request option. If you would like to receive a summary for that survey simply choose yes. If not, choose no. Once we have completed the survey and cataloged all the information, if you choose to receive a summary of the survey, you will receive an ema i l w i th an a t t ached spreadsheet summarizing the information received from that survey. We hope that all of you will take advantage of this service.

As always, we want to know what you think. If you have suggest ions, observat ions, concerns, please let us know. Give us a call or send me an e- mail at [email protected]. Once again, we are doing this in an attempt to make the process easier and more effective for all those involved. Thank you for your help in this area.

Let me be one, in what I am sure is a long line of people, to wish all of you a Happy New Year. The new year brings with it new and interesting prospects for the way NACO conducts research and gathers information. During 2005, NACO started to look into different ways to improve how we gather information and how we survey county officials. That process prompted us to look at software and/or web based research products. Through our research, we arrived at a product called Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey is a web based research system that allows us to more easily conduct research activity and catalog survey information.

Before I go any further with my discussion about Survey Monkey, let me take a minute and talk just a bit about the research we do at NACO and the important part that research plays in what we do in our service to Nebraska county officials. Those of you that receive surveys from NACO may think that we maybe tend to send out a few more surveys than necessary. While I do understand that it does take valuable time to go through these surveys, please understand that the information you provide to us through these surveys is invaluable. Without that information, we can’t do our jobs. Every time a survey comes to you from NACO, it is imperative that you make every effort to fully and promptly go through the survey and submit your answers. Each and every county has a different perspective and unique traits that need to be accounted for. Without your responses, certain counties may not be fully accounted for and it is quite possible that in the end, the interests of your county may not be fully reflected in our dissemination of information. I say all this only to make you aware that information is extremely important to the work that NACO has done and continues

By Jon Edwards NACO Research Analyst

Saunders County Working For Its Own 'Route 66'

January, 2006

By Jonnie Taté Finn, Lincoln Journal Star

It’s a secret Sheri Skeahan wants everyone to know. “There’s one paved road connecting (Valparaiso), Ceresco and Ashland,” the village clerk for Ceresco said. “A lot of people just don’t know it.” Though the 25-mile road doesn’t require drivers to use a turn signal, Skeahan said the route confuses some drivers because it shares three names: County Road A, County Road 11 and Ashland Road. “A lot of people think it’s a county gravel road, but it’s not,” she said. “It’s really a logical way to travel between the three towns.” To end the confusion and promote tourism and economic development in the area, Skeahan and others are working to rename the stretch of concrete Saunders County Route 66. County governments in Nebraska have the authority to designate names for county routes, thanks to state and federal laws. However, counties have to follow state policies on naming county routes, and Nebraska doesn’t have a policy. “It’s become something much bigger than Saunders County,” Skeahan said. “It’ll be really interesting if we cause the state to create a policy, because that would mean other communities can benefit.” After getting formal approval to go to the Nebraska Departments of Roads to create the county route from the Saunders County Board of Supervisors in mid-November, Skeahan sought out Randy Peters with the roads department to help expedite the policy-writing process. “In terms of the big picture, this would be a first — a precedent for county route identification,” said Peters, a state traffic engineer. “There’s a distinction there that’s subtle, but important: the county has always had the authority to put up a street name, but route identification is different. This is the first time a request like this has come to us.” Peters said county route identification requires a highway number and a shield similar to state route identifiers, with blue, pentagon-shaped signs that must meet a series of formal specifications and federal guidelines. The cost of a project like this is only a matter of hundreds of dollars, Peters said. Including the cost of the sign, installation and labor, he said each sign would cost about $100. Once the route is designated as a county highway, the county would be responsible for road maintenance. The state roads department will have the responsibility of creating the new policy, which could take about a year to implement, he said. “My question is how would this work statewide if we had this system of county route numbers?” Peters said. “We’d need orderly rules, like what happens when a route reaches the edge of a county and continues into another county? Would you have to switch route numbers? We’d need to set the ground rules for these types of things.” Peters is seeking input from the Nebraska Association of County Officials to see if other counties would be behind a county route identification policy. A meeting with the association’s executive secretary is scheduled for next month, Peters said.

Skeahan’s mission doesn’t stop with creating a policy, however. Over the summer, the roads department realigned Nebraska 66 from Interstate 80 at the Mahoney Park exit to Ashland at the intersection of Nebraska 63 and U.S. 6. When the alignment was complete, the department renamed part of Nebraska 63 so that it extended Nebraska 66 through Ashland to meet with U.S. 77 south of Wahoo. The problem for Skeahan is that having a Route 66 connect with Nebraska 66 could confuse drivers even more. “The roads department just wanted to simplify that

(Continued on page 16)

January, 2006

NACO’s 2006 Directory Of County Officials

Are you longing for a resource that tells you who’s who in Nebraska County Government? A resource that

not only gives you names, addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers of every county official in the state, but includes a listing of county board chairpersons, county board meeting days, NACO districts, county seats, NACO officers and directors, affiliate officers and NACO staff? All this and more can be found in the 2006 NACO Directory Of County Officials In Nebraska.

Order your copy today by completing and mailing the order blank below. County clerks for each county will receive one complimentary copy of the directory intended for use by all offices in their courthouse.

The cost for this comprehensive resource is $15.00 for tax-exempt entities and $16.00 for taxable entities. A special bulk rate of $10.00 per directory is available for orders of ten or more copies mailed to the same address. Be sure to include payment with your order.

2006 Directory Of County Officials Order Form To place your order for the 2006 Directory of County Officials, please complete the following information and mail this form along with your check to the Nebraska Association of County Officials, 625 South 14th Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68508

PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER

Taxable Entities, $16.00 Non-Taxable Entities, $15.00 For orders of 10 or more copies per copy mailed to the same address, $10.00 Please send _______ copies of the 2006 Directory of County Officials. Enclosed is my check in the amount of $_________________ (Publisher will pay postage and handling charges.) Please list correct mailing address below: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Fed. I.D. 47-0522159 C:___ P:___

NACO And UNL To Sponsor Leadership Training Nebraska Association of County Officials

and UN-L Extension News Release For Immediate Release

NACO and University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Extension have joined forces to help county officials become better leaders.

Work has begun to create an assessment tool that will allow NACO members to specify leadership training needs. From there, the two groups will plan and develop training programs to meet those needs.

The goal is to make training modules available for all levels of elected and appointed officials at the county level. NACO and UN-L Extension will be working closely with the National Association of

Counties in an attempt to extend this opportunity beyond the boundaries of Nebraska. While this project will be challenging and difficult, the ultimate reward to Nebraska residents all across the state will be an elevated level of service and understanding from their elected officials. In the end, we hope to be a nation-leading state in the development of leaders, making them examples of what good local government can and should be all across the nation.

NACO Director Larry Dix will have more to say about this project at the NACO County Board Workshop, February 8-10 in Kearney. We hope to begin surveying in either late February or early March. More information concerning this project will follow in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned.

January, 2006

NACO Scholarship Winners’ Essays

the majority. County officials are no different from the people they represent. The local county sheriff or assessor could also be one’s friend and neighbor, living right down the street. Unlike those working in large scale governmental branches, these local elected officials are affected by every issue they are working to resolve. They drive on the same roads and their children attend the same schools as the people that they represent. Because of this detail, each decision they make is given careful consideration. Any changes in the community-good or bad-will affect the officials’ friends, family and the future of the small “society” in which they live. County officials are familiar with the citizens who they represent, and they care about well-being of the public. County government is the most personable level of representation, the foundation on which all other forms of government are based. Without these locals representing other locals, small town needs would never be addressed in larger governmental bodies. County government is where all representation truly begins. Most politicians who have ever made a difference in the world began their careers in local government. This simple system of representation emphasizes the American way-every opinion is important and each voice can be heard. Representation for every citizen and a voice for all...that’s the importance of county government.

The Importance of County Government in Nebraska

By Heidi Nienhueser

County government provides many things for my community. Not only does it provide for safety and safer traveling but


By Maggie Mitteis

In a way, I grew up around county government. My mother was elected to the office of County Clerk when I was only seven years old. I distinctly remember helping mom with her first campaign back in 1994. We spent a string of Saturdays, traveling to all the towns and villages in Sherman County. In order to meet the voters, my family attended every fish fry, church bazaar, and soup supper in the area. My mother understood that in a small community such as ours, the public wishes to know their representatives on a first name basis. When voters go to the polls, they are electing not only the best person for the job, but also the candidate that will give a voice to the average citizens that he or she is representing-the public wants their local officials to be relatable as well as reliable. Often, when I stop by my mom’s office after school, I find a random patron standing at the counter, casually chatting about the local high school basketball team or the latest crop prices while his or her automobile is being processed. Only in local government can the average community member relate to his or her representatives in such a way; essentially, these elected officials are “average citizens” themselves. Take the Sherman County Commissioners for example: these men are simply local farmers trying to do what is best for the community in which they live. As with all forms of government, not everyone always agrees with the decision made by the commissioner; however, sometimes the opposing party fails to see the “big picture.” These officials are not merely acting in the optimum interest of a few individuals; they are doing what they believe to be best for

a l s o f un and l e a r n i n g opportunities. The Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office is one of the many ways that county government provides safety for the county. The sheriff’s department patrols the city and also the rural areas. They enforce the laws and regulations to keep citizens law abiding and protect against criminals. Without the sheriff’s department the re wou ldn ’ t be any enforcement of laws and the community would be chaotic. Along with the sheriff’s department the Cheyenne County Ambulance Service and the Region 21 Emergency Management provide for the safety of the community. They are at the citizens beck and call. Without the ambulance service many citizens of our county would not survive some of the situations that need urgent ass is tance. Region 21 Emergency Management is always on the look out for the safety of the county from bad weather to chemical spills. Being raised on a farm I realize how important the county road department is. Having to travel dirt roads every morning and night made my family and I realize this. The county road department maintains all the gravel roads and highways in the county providing for safer travel. Without the county road departments roads would be washed out, unsafe, and hard on vehicles to travel on. The Cheyenne County Fair Board and the Cheyenne County Commissioners provide for our county fair. I have been a member of 4-H for eight years. Through 4-H I have been able to participate in fair activities and been given many other opportunities also. Without these two offices this wouldn’t be possible for me! Without having a fair, 4-H wouldn’t have been

(Continued on page 14)

January, 2006

NACO Scholarship Winners’ Essays (Continued from page 13)

law enforcement so that they can maintain order in their county. Law enforcement bodies usually consist of a county sheriff and the sheriff’s deputies. Their duty is to prevent disorder in the county. They do this by patrolling roads, keeping them safe, and answering public complaints dealing with disorder. Most counties also have public attorneys for situations which arise when someone breaks a law. Most counties also have a county court where these cases can be tried. This takes pressure off the state so that the state does not have to hear every single case, especially the minor offenses. A county courthouse provides people with a local place to take care of many necessary transactions. This is usually where one will find the county treasurer, assessor, and the county clerk. The county treasurer’s office is where a person may go to pay their taxes, such as automobile tax and property tax, and a person may also license and register an automobi le there. The assessor’s office keeps records on the value of the taxable property throughout the entire county. The clerk’s office register and records such as

able to give me the opportunities to make myself a more rounded person or to be who I am today. There are many other departments involved in our county government that are very important such as the Cheyenne County court system, extension office, jail, and court house. Being a citizen of Cheyenne County, I am very thankful for everything that they provide for me and my citizens.


By Michael Powell

A county’s ability to govern itself is vital to the county’s existence. A county may cease to exist without specific procedures and guidelines set out for the county to follow. In order to function efficiently, a county needs to exhibit all branches of government-legislative, executive, and judicial. It would be too difficult for a state such as Nebraska, which has 93 counties, to have just one s ta te government. Each county governing itself takes pressure off the state government. County law enforcement is a major part of county government. All counties need some form of

deeds, mortgages, birth and marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. The clerk is also usually in charge of administering elections within the county. Due to the geographical diversity of the state of Nebraska, it is very important for every county to possess self-government. Nebraska is divided into urban and rural areas. Most of Western Nebraska is considered rural. By being able to govern themselves, Western Nebraska counties can ensure that things are done in the best interest of the county and not the state. It would be unfair if Eastern Nebraskans were able to dictate how Western Nebraskans could live their lives. There are 93 counties in the state of Nebraska and each one contributes to the welfare of the state. County governments keep the state safe and make governing the state easier by reducing stress on the state government. Without the individual governments in counties, the state would be one large, chaotic system of government which would have to keep records on every single event and problem throughout the state.

Do you have a child or stepchild who will be graduating from high school this spring? If so, be sure to check the NACO website (www.nacone.org) in late January for an application for a 2006 NACO scholarship. Since 1999, the NACO Board of Directors has approved 78 awards to outstanding young students whose parents or stepparents are county officials or employees. Last year, 12 scholarships of $1,000 were awarded. To be eligible, students must

plan to graduate from an accredited Nebraska high school this spring and plan to further their education within the state. Students must submit a completed application form, a seven-semester transcript, ACT/SAT scores, and an essay on the importance of county government. Excerpts from the scholarship recipients’ essays will be published throughout the year in the Countyline. Applications will also be available from the NACO office at (402) 434-5660.

2006 Scholarship Application And Information Available On Line At NACO’s Website

Meth: America’s Homegrown Drug Epidemic

January, 2006

Created in neighborhoods across the country, methamphetamine (meth) is American’s homegrown drug epidemic. It’s sweeping the Nation from the California coast to the eastern seaboard. Meth is leaving a path of destruction, particularly among small towns, where youth are more than twice as likely to use the drug than young people living in larger cities. What is meth? This powerful drug works in the brain and gives users a sense of energy that can make them push their bodies faster and further than they are meant to go. Even small amounts of meth can cause a person to be more awake and active, but it also makes people lose their appetite and become irritable and aggressive. Meth also causes a person’s blood pressure to increase and heart to beat faster. Why are small towns more affected? Most drugs—such as cocaine or heroin—come from other countries and are sold by dealers. Meth can be cooked at home in kitchens and garages, in vacant barns, and in other buildings. It is created with common household items such as batteries and cold medicine. These items are cheap and can be bought in local stores. The chemicals in them can pollute neighborhoods and make the environment unsafe for kids. Treatment for meth use can be hard to find in small towns. Rural communities often have fewer health facilities and treatment options than larger cities. This means that youth and adult meth users may find it hard to get the help they need. How many people are using it? Numbers on meth use can be deceiving. While statistics show that use among teens and middle school students has been the same for the past few years, those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Meth seems to spread in pockets, leaving some areas or populations nearly untouched while others are devastated. Why would anyone use meth? Some people use it for the strong “rush” they get when they smoke or inject the drug. Other people use meth to help them lose weight or give them an energy boost so they can work more. Athletes and students sometimes begin using meth because it makes them feel like they are doing better in sports or schoolwork. At first, meth gives them more energy to practice sports and to study for longer periods of time. What are the effects of meth use? When the high wears off, people who use meth go through a severe “crash.” Because meth can be made

from lethal ingredients like battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, and antifreeze, there is a greater chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or serious brain damage with this drug than with other drugs. Long-term meth use can result in fatal kidney and lung disorders, brain damage, liver damage, chronic depression, paranoia, and other physical and mental disorders. How can you tell if someone is using meth? Symptoms of meth use may include: • Inability to sleep • Increased sensitivity to noise • Nervous physical activity, like scratching • Irritability, dizziness, or confusion • Extreme anorexia • Tremors or even convulsions • Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of stroke • Presence of inhaling paraphernalia, such as razor blades, mirrors, and straws • Presence of injecting paraphernalia, such as syringes, heated spoons, or surgical tubing. For treatment options, call your local health department, family doctor, or health care provider. Meth use poses a real and growing threat to individuals, families, and communities across the country. Talk with your children about the dangers of using meth and help them find safe ways to “boost their energy.” For example, they can take a 15-minute power nap after school, eat a high-energy snack, or exercise for 30 minutes. Meth is sweeping the Nation, but you have the power to prevent it from reaching your family. Reprinted from A Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free at http://family.samhsa.gov/talk/drugepi.aspx

Thomas County To Build New Courthouse

January, 2006

By Teresa Wickens North Platte Telegraph

Thomas County could feasibly hold the November 2006 general election in its new courthouse," the architect for the new courthouse said Tuesday. After more than three years of discussion and research, the Thomas County Board voted Tuesday to accept the $868,575 bid by Hausmann Construction of Lincoln for a new courthouse and demolition of the current 80-year-old building. The new Thomas County courthouse would be completely handicapped-accessible, according to Steve Granger of CG Architects. Commissioner Charlie Daly said liability is big reason for the new building. The current courthouse has three floors with no elevators or ramps for handicapped use. County Clerk Wendy Rinestine and Treasurer Judy Taylor say they often go downstairs to help elderly residents so they don't have to climb the stairs. In the County Extension office, Pat Neben said she often helps people on the upper landing, and Sheriff Randy Barnes usually helps people in wheelchairs by pulling them up the stairs. Daly said the current building "is a lawsuit waiting to happen." Tammy Purdum said she has been following the project and asked if the old courthouse would

really have to be demolished. "I love these old buildings," she said. "Surely, someone could buy it and use it for something." The first courthouse in Thedford was built in 1887 and rebuilt in 1926 after it burned down. The new courthouse will be the third in the county. Granger explained that the current building would have to be brought up to code, especially if it would be used for the public. Audrey Jones questioned the sense of building a new courthouse when "there is uncertainty about us even being a county." "I hope we can keep our county forever, but it's not looking good," she said. Rinestine said a new courthouse might go a long way to show the state that Thomas County wants to stay viable, even with its low population. Purdum told the commissioners that it sounded like they had really looked at all of the options and "you will be in trouble either way you go." "You have to make the tough business decisions, even though it is emotional," she said. Granger said the groundbreaking could happen as early as January. Hausmann Construction bid a completion date of 245 days. After the vote to accept the bid, Commissioner Stan Pettit's comment was, "Let's get 'er done." Reprinted with permission from the North Platte Telegraph

Ashland intersection, which I think was a great idea,” Skeahan said. “But it’s very much in conflict with this plan.” The roads department is considering Saunders County’s request to change the highway back to Nebraska 63, but Peters said the department usually doesn’t change highway numbers just because the highway intersects with a local street. In any case, Skeahan said she hopes the roads department gets a new policy approved and is already thinking of ideas to make Route 66 a destination for drivers in Saunders County. “We’ve talked about having car club cruises, motorcycle poker runs and community garage sales going from Valparaiso to Ashland,” Skeahan said. “Goodness knows there’s a lot of things the county has to deal with right now, but I definitely don’t want to see this drop off the radar screen. We’ve gotten this far and I’m going to pursue it the rest of way.”

Reprinted with permission from the Lincoln Journal Star

Saunders County Working For Its Own Route 66 (Continued from Page 11)

Please contact a SMITH HAYES representative today Phone: (402) 476-3000 Fax: (402) 476-6909 Toll Free: (800) 279-7437

We serve Nebraska’s counties.

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Tax-Exempt Bonds

Creative Financing Solutions

January, 2006

January Legal Calendar 1 Assessor Real and tangible personal property subject to taxation shall be assessed as of 12:01

a.m. on this date. 77-1201, 77-1301, 77-1211

1 Assessor Railroads must report locally assessed property to the assessor. Public service entities operating within the state must report to the county assessor of each county in which it has situs all non-operating property belonging to such entity which is not subject to assessment and assessed by the Property Tax Administrator. 77-606, 77-801

1 Assessor Applications requesting separate listing of severed mineral interest and surface estate must be filed with the county assessor by this date. 57-237

1 Clerk By this date county, agricultural extension societies must file a report of their work and expenditures for the preceding year and a budget estimate for the ensuing year. 2-1606, 2-1607

1 Treasurer All bonds given to secure deposits of public money expire on this date each year. 77-2327

1 Treasurer Irrigation district assessments are due on January 1 next following the date of assessment thereof and may become a lien on the property. Irrigation district bond interest semiannual payments are due. 46-140, 46-196

1 Treasurer Camper permit renewals become due on this date and delinquent on March 1. 60-1805

1 Counties over 200,000 population

Fiscal year begins unless a majority of the county board approves a change to a fiscal year beginning on July 1. 23-920

1 County Board, Weed Control Superintendent

By this date, organizations sponsoring continuing education for weed control superintendent’s continuing must notify county board of the education hours completed by its weed control superintendent during the year. 2-954.02

First Tues. Sheriff, County Board

Make a report to the County Board describing fees, fee totals and activity since last quarterly report. 33-117(3)

First Tues. Clerk of Dist. Ct., Board

Quarterly remittance to state treasurer of money other than witness fees, fines, penalties, forfeitures and license money in the possession of the clerk of the district court which remains after 3 years. 24-345 Witness fees which remain for 6 months are reported to the county board, and after an additional 6 months are paid over to the county treasurer for credit to the common school fund. 33-140

5 Clerk, Election Commissioner

Last day for the governing board of each political subdivision which will hold an election in conjunction with a statewide primary election to certify to the Secretary of State, the election commissioner, or the county clerk the name of the subdivision, the number of officers to be elected, the length of the terms of office, the vacancies to be filled by election and length of remaining term, and the number of votes to be cast by a registered voter for each office. 32-404, 32-601

5 Clerk Report to the Department of Health and Human Services Finance and Support a statement of all marriages recorded during the preceding month. 71-614

5 Clerk Remit fees to the State Treasurer for credit to the General Fund for certificates of title, notation of liens, duplicates for boats and motor vehicles. 37-1287, 60-161

Not more than 6 nor less than 4 weeks before March 1

Treasurer Prepare for publication a list of all real property subject to sale and amount of all delinquent taxes against each. An accompanying notice must state that the described property will be sold by the county at public sale for the purpose of collecting delinquent taxes, interest and costs. 77-1802

10-30 Clerk The city, village, or county clerk must cause to be published in a legal newspaper in or of general circulation in such city, village, or county one time between these dates of each year, individual notice of the right of automatic renewal of each retail liquor and beer license, except that notice of the right of automatic renewal of Class C licenses must be published in July.

15 County Board The salaries of all elected officers of the county must be fixed by the county board prior to January 15.

15 Assessor, Treasurer

Owner, lessee or manager of land upon which is parked a mobile home must report to the county assessor, the year, make, model, and size of each mobile home, the owner or occupant's name and address, and the date the mobile home was first parked or located on such land. 77-3706 Annual permits must be renewed during January. 77-3707

(Continued on Page 18)

January, 2006

January Legal Calendar (Continued from Page 17)

15 Clerk of the District Court

Make a report to the county board, under oath, showing the different items of such fees, revenue, perquisites, or receipts received, from whom, at what time, and for what service, and the total amount received by such officer since the last report, and also the amount received for the current year. Account for and pay any fees, revenue, perquisites, or receipts not later than the fifteenth day of the month following the calendar month in which such fees, revenue, perquisites, or receipts were received. 33-106.02

15 Clerk, Treasurer Each county clerk or register of deeds shall, not later than the fifteenth day of the month following the calendar month in which fees are received, pay over to the county treasurer all fees received and take the receipt of the county treasurer. 33-130

25 Treasurer By this date each month, the treasurer must transmit all motor vehicle registration fees collected to the state. 60-3,141(3)

31 Assessors The State and political subdivisions must provide assessors with copies of leases or descriptions of property which is leased by this date. 77-202.11

31 General Furnish Form 1099 statements to recipients. Furnish copies of W-2 forms to employees.

During month

Board Commissioners elect a chairperson to serve for the ensuing year. 23-156

During month

Board Supervisors must meet, organize and choose a chairperson. 23-272, 23-274

During month

Treasurer Publish the receipts and disbursements of the treasurer's office for the last preceding six months ending Dec. 31. 23-1605

During month

Board County board must make quarterly visit to county jail. 47-109

Last Business Day

Treasurer State reimbursement of tax revenue lost due to homestead exemptions is issued on the last business day of the month for six months beginning in January. 77-3523

Within 30 days after First Tues.

Treasurer, Clerk, County Board

Make settlement with county board and file statement with county clerk showing the amount and source of money collected since last settlement, vouchers, amount of taxes due and unpaid, and money on hand. 77-1745.

February Legal Calendar 1 Clerk Report list of county officers to the Secretary of State. 23-1306

1 Assessor Last date for owners, lessees and/or managers of any aircraft hangars or land upon which aircraft are parked to report such aircraft in the county as of January 1. 77-1250.02

1 Assessor, County Board of Equalization

Deadline for assessor to examine applications for tax exemptions and recommend taxable or exempt status to the county board of equalization. 77-202.01, 77-202.09

1-June 30 Assessor First date for homestead application. 77-3512

1-June 1 County Board, Assessor

Between February 1 and June 1, the county board of equalization must grant or withhold tax exemptions requested for real or tangible personal property. 77-202.02

1 County Board, Highway Superintendent, Clerk

Submit county road annual program and annual report to county board and file current map of county roads with county clerk. 39-1508, 39-1512

5 Clerk Return to the Department of Health and Human Services Finance and Support a statement of all marriages recorded during the preceding month. 71-614


First Week Treasurer Publish once a week in a legal newspaper, for three consecutive weeks prior to the date of delinquent tax sale, a list of real property subject to sale. In counties of more than 250,000 inhabitants, publish in a daily legal newspaper. Also post a copy of such notice in the treasurer's office. 77-1804


January, 2006


February Legal Calendar (Continued from Page 18)

March Legal Calendar

2nd Monday County Board Library board shall, make a report to the board on or before this date about the condition of its trust on the last day of the prior fiscal year. 51-213

15 General Last day for incumbents to file for office on the primary ballot. 32-606 15 Treasurer Motor vehicle rental fees due and payable to the treasurer. 77-4501 15 Clerk, Treasurer Each county clerk or register of deeds shall, not later than the fifteenth day of the

month following the calendar month in which fees are received, pay over to the county treasurer all fees received and take the receipt of the county treasurer. 33-130



25 Treasurer By this date each month, the treasurer must transmit all motor vehicle registration fees collected to the state. . 60-3,141(3)

28 General File 1099 forms with the Internal Revenue Service. File Forms W-2 and W-3 transmittal form with the proper revenue agencies.

During Month

Assessor Property Tax Administrator holds examination of applicants for certification. 77-421

1 Assessor On or before this date, following any construction thereof or any change in the improvements made on or before January 1, the owner of the improvements must file with the county assessor an assessment application on a form prescribed by the Property Tax Administrator. 77-1374

1 Assessor By this date, improvements on leased land list must be filed with the county assessor and assessor must send notification of government subdivisions of intent to tax property not used for a government purpose and not paying an in lieu of tax. 77-1376, 77-202.12

1 Board, Highway Superintendent

By this date, a county highway annual program must be adopted. 39-1503 Annual plan for specific road or street improvements for the current year must be submitted with the Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards following a public hearing and approval. The board must review each such annual plan within sixty days after it has been filed to determine whether it is consistent with the county's or municipality's current six-year plan. 39-2119

1 Treasurer, Sheriff Camper permit annual renewals become delinquent on this date. 60-1805 1 Treasurer Registration deadline for expired motorboat certificates. 37-1226 1 Emergency

Managers Local emergency planning committee must review and update emergency plan as needed each year. 81-15,217

1 Clerks, Election Commissioners

Last day for non-incumbents to file for office. 32-606 Last day to withdraw filing for office. 32-622 Deadline for subdivisions to submit special issue for primary ballot. 32-559

5 Clerk Report to the Department of Health and Human Services Finance and Support a statement of all marriages recorded during the preceding month. 71-614


First Mon. Treasurer Public auction for delinquent taxes against real property is to be held. 77-1802 9 Clerks, Election

Commissioners Deadline to mail special absentee ballot to those specifically requesting special absentee. 32-808



January, 2006

March Legal Calendar (Continued from Page 19)

19 Assessor Assessor must complete assessment of real property and file abstract with Property Tax Administrator. 77-1301, 77-1303, 77-1514

19 Assessor The county assessor shall, after March 19 and on or before June 1, implement adjustments to the real property assessment roll for actions of the Tax Equalization and Review Commission.77-1315


It is the duty of the assessor to report to the county board of equalization all real property in his or her county that, for any reason, was omitted from the assessment roll for the current year, after this date or any former year. 77-1317


After March this date and on or before July 25 or on or before August 10 in counties that have adopted a resolution to extend the deadline for hearing protests under section 77-1502, the county assessor shall report to the county board of equalization any overvaluation or undervaluation of any real property.. 77-1315.01

25 Treasurer By this date each month, the treasurer must transmit all motor vehicle registration fees collected to the state. 60-3,141(3)

29 Clerks, Election Commissioners

Publication and posting date for notice of statewide primary. Notice also required to for political subdivisions. 32-802.

NACO Calendar Of Events January 20 NACO Legislative Meeting Lincoln, Embassy Suites

February 14-15 Nebr. Asphalt Paving Conference Kearney, Holiday Inn

February 15 Panhandle District Meeting To Be Announced

February 16 West Central District Meeting To Be Announced

March 9 Southeast District Meeting Beatrice, Holiday Inn Express

March 10 Northeast District Meeting Columbus, New World Inn

March 16 Central District Meeting Aurora, Leadership Center

June 14-15 Clerks of the District Court Workshop Lincoln, Embassy Suites

June 21-23 Clerks, Election Commissioners, Register of Deeds, Treasurers Workshop

Grand Island, Midtown Holiday Inn

August 28-31 Assessors Workshop Grand Island, Midtown Holiday Inn

September 14 Southeast District Meeting Beatrice, Holiday Inn Express

October 5 NACO Legislative Conference Kearney, Holiday Inn

December 6-8 112th Annual NACO Conference Omaha, Holiday Inn Central

February 8-10 County Board Workshop Holiday Inn, Kearney

January 27 NACO Legislative Meeting Lincoln, Country Inn & Suites

County Classified FOR SALE

Snow wing for John Deere motor grader for sale by Dundy County. Contact Kent Anderson at (308) 289-3125

Appraiser Position Open In Dodge County

The Nebraska Department of Property Assessment and Taxation is seeking an individual for the Appraiser position in the Dodge County Assessment Office. This individual will be primarily responsible for the assessment of all real property in Dodge County, but could also include other counties in Nebraska where the Property Tax Administrator has assumed the assessment

function. Must hold or be able to obtain within 6 months a current valid Real Estate Appraiser registration issued by the Nebraska Real Estate Appraiser Board. Must have a valid Nebraska driver’s license. Starting salary $35,350 annually plus excellent fringe benefits. You can view the job description and detailed requirements at the Department’s website: http://pat.nol.org under Employment Opportunities. Also requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. Apply on-line at www.wrk4neb.org or contact DAS-State Personnel at (402) 471-2075.

January, 2006

NACO Legislative Meetings Slated For January

The opening day of the 2006 Nebraska Legislature will be January 4. Test your knowledge of Nebraska legislative trivia and procedures by answering the following questions. Send your answers on a separate paper to NACO no later than January 30 to be entered into the contest drawing. Include your name, county and the office you work in, and be sure to mark the outside of your envelope with “Contest Entry.” Good Luck! 1. How many states, other than Nebraska have

unicameral legislatures? 2. What year did voters pass an initiative to amend

Nebraska Constitution providing for a one house legislature?

3. Who was the first female member of

Unicameral? 4. What year session did this person serve in? 5. How many bills were passed in the first

unicameral session of the legislature? 6. Who was the Unicameral’s first clerk? 7. When a bill is introduced, the Legislative Fiscal

Office prepares budget statements estimating the anticipated change in state, county, or municipal expenses or revenue under the

provisions of each bill. What is this statement called?

8. The statement in question #7 contains three estimates. Who calculates each of these estimates?

9. List the 14 standing committees of the legislature.

10. How many votes does it take to adopt amendments and move a bill from General File to the next stage of consideration?

11. What does the term “E&R Process” mean?

12. Can bills on select file be amended?

13. How much time must pass before a bill that has been introduced can be passed?

14. How many votes of the legislature does a bill with the emergency clause require to pass?

15. In order to override a gubernatorial veto of a bill, how many senators must vote to do so?

January Contest Based On Nebraska Legislative Trivia

Meeting dates have been set for county officials’ review of legislative bills for the 2006 session. The meetings will be held in Lincoln at the Embassy Suites on Friday, January 20th and the Country Inn and Suites on Fr iday, January 27. Morning sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will consist of round table discussions of each affiliate group. Lunch will be

provided at each meeting and the afternoon sessions will be a general discussion to establish NACO’s position on each bill. County officials are urged to attend one or both of these meetings. This is your opportunity to have input into the new laws that will determine how and when you perform the duties of your

office. If you are unable to attend either of the meetings, be sure to contact your group’s legislative representative with your input. Please contact the NACO office at (402) 434-5660 or e-mail De Troxel, NACO Recept ionist/Secretary at [email protected] if you plan to attend so that appropriate counts can be given to the hotel for luncheon.

January, 2006

NACO Conference Articles For Sale

Were you unable to attend NACO’s Annual Conference in October or were there items in your registration material that you would like to purchase additionally? Below is a list of items and the cost to purchase each item. The cost of each item is listed along with postage for each item. Send your requests to NACO along with a check made payable

to NACO. NACO has a limited supply of each item so order early. Requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to purchase items from previous conferences that are not listed, please contact the NACO office at (402) 434-5660.

Conference Bag/Cooler $5.00 (postage $3.00)

Tool Card $2.00 (postage $1.00)

Conference Mug $4.00 (postage $3.00)

Guest Program Bag $10.00 (postage $2.00)

Pocket Calendar Free (up to three) (postage $1.00)

Courthouse Calendar $10.00 (includes postage)

2004 Conference Portfolio $10.00 (postage $3.00)

Previous years’ Courthouse Calendars may be purchased for $5.00 each. This price includes postage. NACO has a limited supply of past year’s conference mugs. If you are missing a certain year from your collection, contact the NACO office to inquire if the year you are missing is available. Past year’s mugs are free but postage will be $3.00 per mug.

January, 2006

2006 Achievement Award Applications Available

Applications for the 2006 NACo Achievement Award program are now available electronically and in hard copy. The Achievement Award program seeks to recognize innovative county government programs in a wide range of interest areas, including Criminal Justice, Health, Human Services, Transportat ion, and many more. The due date for submission is February 10, 2006. Registration Opens For 2006

Legislative Conference NACo’s 2006 Legislative Conference will be held on March 4 – 8 at the Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C. Online registration is now available through the NACo Web site. The conference will feature a new “day” pattern for the first time. The conference will begin on

Saturday and conclude on Wednesday.

Countyline To Be Published Every Two Months

The decision to cut Countyline Magazine to six issues yearly was made effective with the January issue. If you have articles to submit for the magazine or ads you would like to place in the County Classif ied section, deadlines for articles are as follows: March Issue February 13 May Issue April 12 July Issue June 13 September Issue August 11 November Issue October 11 You may send your articles to the NACO office or e-mail them to Lisa Wefer at [email protected] any time prior to the deadline for each issue. Please contact the NACO office if you have questions.

Services Held For Larry Kment

Services were held for Larry Kment, Dodge County Highway Superintendent on Thursday, September 22. Kment was Dodge County Highway Superintendent from 1974 until his death on September 19. NACO offers sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Larry Kment. State Association Presidents,

Executive Directors To Meet In January

The presidents of the state associations of counties and their executive directors will meet with NACo officers and staff on January 11 – 13 in Washington, D.C. This annual meeting includes updates on potential legislative action by Congress, information on NACo programs and a briefing on issues at the White House.

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